<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
Globalstar Telecommunications Limited
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
[GLOBALSTAR LETTERHEAD]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
April 28, 1998
------------------------
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Globalstar Telecommunications Limited
will be held in the Grand Salon, The Essex House, 160 Central Park South, New
York, New York, at 9:30 A.M., on Tuesday, April 28, 1998 for the purpose of:
1. Electing to the Board eight directors whose terms have expired;
2. Acting upon a proposal to increase the number of authorized common
shares, $1.00 par value, of the Company (the "Common Stock") from
200,000,000 to 600,000,000;
3. Acting upon a proposal to authorize and create 10,000,000 preference
shares, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the "Preferred Stock")
and to amend the bye-laws to authorize the Board of Directors to
establish the rights, preferences and designations of such Preferred
Stock;
4. Acting upon a proposal to approve amendments to the Company's bye-laws
(i) to provide that stock distributions may be approved by the Board of
Directors, (ii) to fix the maximum number of directors at fifteen (15)
and to provide that directors may fill any vacancy on the Board and
(iii) to provide that directors' fees shall be determined by the Board;
5. Acting upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche
LLP as independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 1998; and
6. Transacting any other business which may properly come before the
meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 17, 1998 as
the date for determining shareholders of record entitled to receive notice of,
and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend. Those who do not expect
to be present are requested to date, sign and mail the enclosed proxy as
promptly as possible in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Bernard L. Schwartz
BERNARD L. SCHWARTZ
Chairman of the Board of Directors
March 31, 1998
<PAGE> 3
PROXY STATEMENT
GLOBALSTAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
CEDAR HOUSE, 41 CEDAR AVENUE
HAMILTON HM12, BERMUDA
------------------------
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
APRIL, 28, 1998
------------------------
PROXY SOLICITATION
The enclosed proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors
of Globalstar Telecommunications Limited (the "Company" or "GTL"). Any
shareholder may revoke a previously granted proxy at any time before it is voted
by written notice to the Secretary, by a duly executed proxy bearing a later
date, or by voting in person at the meeting. The cost of soliciting proxies will
be borne by the Company. The Company will enlist the assistance of and reimburse
banks, brokers and other nominees for their costs in transmitting proxies and
proxy authorizations to beneficial owners whose stock is registered in the name
of such nominees. The Company has also retained W. F. Doring & Co., Inc. to
assist it in the solicitation of proxies and will pay a fee, not to exceed
$5,000, for such services. Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations that identify
shareholders will be held confidential, except in a contested proxy solicitation
or where necessary to meet applicable legal requirements. The Inspector of
Election will not be an employee of the Company. This Proxy Statement and the
enclosed proxy will be first mailed to shareholders on or about March 31, 1998.
OUTSTANDING VOTING STOCK
Only shareholders at the close of business on the March 17, 1998 record
date are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. There
were 30,641,302 common shares, par value $1.00 per share ("Common Stock"), of
the Company outstanding on that date and each share is entitled to one vote on
each matter. Pursuant to Bermuda law and the Company's bye-laws, the Company's
Chairman will request a poll at the Annual Meeting so that each shareholder
present in person or by proxy will have one vote for each share held. Proposals
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 require for approval the vote of a majority of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker "non-votes"
will be counted in determining the number of shares present but will not be
voted for election of directors or on other proposals. Because abstentions and
broker "non-votes" are not treated as shares voted, they would have no impact on
proposals 1 through 5.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Eight directors are to be elected to hold office until the next Annual
Meeting or until their successors are elected. Messrs. Schwartz, Clark,
DeBlasio, Grierson, Hodes, Peett, Targoff and Towbin are present directors of
the Company. Mr. Towbin and Sir Ronald Grierson serve as the Company's two
Independent Directors. Each director has indicated an intention to continue to
serve if elected and has consented to being named in this Proxy Statement.
Unless authority to vote for management's nominees is withheld, the enclosed
proxy will be voted for the election of the persons named above, except that the
persons designated as proxies reserve full discretion to cast their votes for
other persons in the unanticipated event that any of such nominees is unable or
declines to serve.
The Company is a general partner of Globalstar, L.P. ("Globalstar"), which
is building and will operate the Globalstar(TM) System, a worldwide, low-earth
orbit satellite-based digital telecommunications system. Globalstar maintains
its own General Partners' Committee, Audit Committee and Council of Service
Operators. The Company has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation and Stock
Option Committee (the
<PAGE> 4
"Compensation Committee") and Executive Committee. The Audit Committee, which
met twice during 1997, is comprised of Mr. Hodes. The Audit Committee reviews
and acts or reports to the Board of Directors with respect to various auditing
and accounting matters, including the selection of the Company's independent
auditors, the accounting and financial practices and controls of the Company,
audit procedures and findings, and the nature of services performed for the
Company by, and the fees paid to, the independent auditors. The Compensation
Committee, which met three times during 1997, is comprised of Messrs. Grierson
and Towbin. The Compensation Committee reviews and provides recommendations to
the Board of Directors regarding executive compensation matters and is also
responsible for the administration of the Company's Stock Option Plan. The
Executive Committee, which met once during 1997, is currently comprised of
Messrs. Schwartz, Clark and Hodes. The Executive Committee, between meetings of
the Board of Directors, exercises all powers and authority of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Company that may
be lawfully delegated. The Board of Directors performs the function of a
nominating committee.
The Board of Directors held two meetings in 1997. No director attended
fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION. Directors are paid a fixed fee of $12,000 per year.
Directors who are not officers of the Company, Globalstar or Loral Space &
Communications Ltd. ("Loral") are also paid $1,500 for personal attendance at
each meeting. In addition, Mr. Hodes is paid an annual fee of $2,000 in respect
of his participation in the Audit Committee plus $1,000 for each meeting of the
Audit Committee attended. On May 20, 1996, each of Messrs. Grierson, Hodes,
Peett and Towbin was contingently granted options to purchase 40,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $25.1875 per share (as adjusted to give
effect to the Company's 100% stock dividend paid on May 28, 1997). These options
became effective on February 3, 1997 when the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan
was amended to include non-employee directors as eligible to receive awards
thereunder.
The Company has purchased insurance from the Reliance Insurance Company
("Reliance") insuring the Company against obligations it might incur as a result
of its indemnification of its officers and directors for certain liabilities
they might incur, and insuring such officers and directors for additional
liabilities against which they might not be indemnified by the Company. The
insurance expires on April 23, 1998 and costs $698,750 for thirty-nine months of
coverage. Discussions are ongoing between the Company and Reliance to extend
such insurance upon its scheduled expiration date.
The following provides certain relevant information concerning the nominees
for election as directors and their principal occupations.
BERNARD L. SCHWARTZ
Mr. Schwartz, 72, has served as director since 1994. Mr. Schwartz is
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
and Chairman of the General Partners' Committee and Chief Executive Officer of
Globalstar, L.P. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of K&F Industries, Inc. and Loral Space & Communications Ltd.
Mr. Schwartz is a director of First Data Corp., Reliance Group Holdings, Inc.
and certain of its subsidiaries and Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. He is a
Trustee of N.Y. University Medical Center.
GREGORY J. CLARK
Gregory J. Clark, 55, has served as director since March 1998. Mr. Clark is
the Vice Chairman and President of the Company and Vice Chairman of the General
Partners' Committee of Globalstar. Since January 1998, he has been the President
and Chief Operating Officer of Loral Space & Communications Ltd. Prior to that
time, Dr. Clark was President of News Technology Group, a division of News
Corporation since September 1994. Prior to that, Dr. Clark was Director of
Science and Technology of IBM in Australia since 1988.
2
<PAGE> 5
MICHAEL P. DEBLASIO
Michael P. DeBlasio, 61, has served as director since 1996. Mr. DeBlasio is
the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In
addition, he is First Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Loral
Space & Communications Ltd.
SIR RONALD GRIERSON
Sir Ronald Grierson, 76, has served as director since 1996. Sir Ronald is
the retired Vice-Chairman of General Electric Company plc (United Kingdom). He
is a director of Chime Communications plc, Daily Mail and General Trust plc,
Etam Developement S.A. (France) and Safic-Alcan S.A. (France). In addition, Sir
Ronald is the Chairman of the international advisory boards of Bain & Co. and
Blackstone Group.
ROBERT B. HODES
Robert B. Hodes, 72, has served as director since 1994. Mr. Hodes is
counsel to Willkie Farr & Gallagher, a law firm in New York, N.Y. and until
1996, was a partner in and co-chairman of that firm. He is a director of
Aerointernational, Inc., Argentina High Yield & Capital Appreciation Fund Ltd.,
Beaver Dam Sanctuary, Inc., The Cremer Foundation, Crystal Oil Company, Cross
River Reservoir Association, LCH Investments N.V., Loral Space & Communications
Ltd., Mueller Industries, Inc., Restructured Capital Holdings, Ltd., R.V.I.
Guaranty Ltd. and W.R. Berkley Corporation.
E. JOHN PEETT
E. John Peett, 62, has served as director since 1994. Mr. Peett also serves
as an executive consultant to Globalstar, L.P. and Loral/Qualcomm Satellite
Services, L.P., Globalstar's managing general partner. Mr. Peett held various
positions with Vodafone Group plc., including serving as its Executive Director,
until his retirement in October 1997. Mr. Peett is a director of The Personal
Number Company plc.
MICHAEL B. TARGOFF
Michael B. Targoff, 53, has served as director since 1994 and was President
of the Company and Chief Operating Officer of Globalstar, L.P. from May 1996 to
January 1998. From April 1996 to January 1998, he was President and Chief
Operating Officer of Loral Space & Communications Ltd. Prior to that time, he
served as Senior Vice President and Secretary of Loral Corporation. Mr. Targoff
is a director of Foremost Corporation of America.
A. ROBERT TOWBIN
A. Robert Towbin, 63, has served as director since 1995. Mr. Towbin is
Managing Director of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin. He is a director of Bradley Real
Estate, Inc., Columbus New Millenium Fund, Gerber Scientific Inc., Globecomm and
K&F Industries, Inc.
ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES WILL REQUIRE THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE IN PERSON OR BY
PROXY OF A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY VOTE FOR
THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS.
3
<PAGE> 6
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table shows, based upon filings made with the Company,
certain information concerning persons who may be deemed beneficial owners of 5%
or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company because they
possessed or shared voting or investing power with respect to the shares of
Common Stock of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP CLASS
---------------- -------------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Loral Space & Communications Ltd........................... 8,656,522(1)(2) 25.5%
600 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10016
General Electric Company................................... 5,022,380 16.4%
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, Connecticut 06431
The Capital Group Companies, Inc........................... 2,586,570(3) 8.4%
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) This information is as of February 27, 1998 and includes 3,326,842 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Company's 6 1/2%
Convertible Preferred Equivalent Obligations due 2006 (the "CPEOs") held by
Loral (based upon a conversion price of $30.81 per share).
(2) Of such amount, 884,000 shares represent shares of Common Stock subject to
options granted by Loral to certain of its executive officers and directors.
(3) The Capital Group Companies, Inc. is the parent holding company of a group
of investment management companies that hold investment power and, in some
cases, voting power over the shares of Common Stock. The investment
management companies, which include a "bank" as defined in Section 3(a)6 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and several investment advisers
registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, provide
investment advisory and management services for their respective clients,
which include registered investment companies and institutional accounts.
4
<PAGE> 7
The following table presents the number of shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by the directors and nominees, the named executive officers
in the Summary Compensation Table ("NEOs"), and all directors, nominees and
officers as a group on February 27, 1998. Individuals have sole voting and
investment power over the stock unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS
------------------ ----------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Bernard L. Schwartz......................................... 603,802 2%
Gregory J. Clark............................................ 10,000 *
Michael P. DeBlasio......................................... 64,000 *
Sir Ronald Grierson......................................... 1,500 *
Robert B. Hodes............................................. 42,226 *
E. John Peett............................................... -- --
Michael B. Targoff.......................................... 28,904 *
A. Robert Towbin............................................ 9,790(2) *
Douglas G. Dwyre............................................ 7,818(3) *
Anthony J. Navarra.......................................... 8,547(4) *
Joel Schindall.............................................. 1,784(5) *
William F. Adler............................................ 67(6) *
Robert Wiedeman............................................. 4,750(7) *
All directors and executive officers as a group (19
persons).................................................. 905,993(8) 2.9%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Represents holdings of less than one percent.
(1) Includes shares which, as of February 27, 1998, may be acquired within sixty
days upon the exercise of options granted by Loral: 280,000 to Mr. Schwartz,
10,000 to Mr. Clark, 60,000 to Mr. DeBlasio, 40,000 to Mr. Hodes, 20,000 to
Mr. Targoff and 514,000 to all directors and executive officers as a group.
(2) Includes 2,000 shares held in a trust, as to which Mr. Towbin disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(3) Includes 7,500 shares exercisable under the Company's stock option plan and
96 shares held in the Company's savings plan.
(4) Includes 6,250 shares exercisable under the Company's stock option plan and
71 shares held in the Company's savings plan.
(5) Includes 600 shares exercisable under the Company's stock option plan and 72
shares held in the Company's savings plan.
(6) Includes 67 shares held in the Company's savings plan.
(7) Includes 3,750 shares exercisable under the Company's stock option plan and
200 shares owned by Mr. Wiedeman's wife.
(8) Includes 22,350 shares exercisable under the Company's stock option plan and
361 shares held in the Company's savings plan.
5
<PAGE> 8
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The salaries of the executive officers of the Company and Globalstar are
paid by either Globalstar or Loral. Loral is solely responsible for the
compensation of Messrs. Schwartz, Clark and DeBlasio and the other officers of
the Company and Globalstar who are also officers of Loral, and Loral does not
receive any direct reimbursement from Globalstar or the Company for such
compensation. The following report discusses the executive compensation policies
of Globalstar with respect to annual compensation, and of the Company with
respect to long-term stock-based incentive compensation, for executive officers
and other employees who receive compensation from Globalstar and the Company.
The goals of the Company's compensation program are to align compensation
with business objectives and corporate performance, and to enable the Company to
attract, retain and reward executive officers who contribute to the long-term
success of the Company and thereby create value for shareholders. In order to
attain these goals, the Company's compensation policies link compensation to
corporate performance.
The principal components of the Company's compensation program are annual
cash compensation consisting of base salary and an annual incentive bonus, and
long-term incentive compensation using stock options. In determining the amount
and form of executive compensation, the Compensation Committee has considered
the competitive market for senior executives, the executive's role in the
Company's achieving its business objectives, and the Company's overall
performance.
The Compensation Committee believes that the Company's compensation
policies, which have been instrumental in attracting and retaining highly
qualified and dedicated personnel, will be an important factor in the Company's
growth and success.
ANNUAL COMPENSATION. Base salaries for the NEOs have been set at
competitive levels by the CEO of Globalstar in consultation with the
Compensation Committee, giving due regard to individual performance and time in
position. Annual incentive compensation of the NEOs is not based on a formula
using quantitative target levels. The CEO of Globalstar, in consultation with
the Compensation Committee, sets the incentive compensation by assessing a
number of factors, including the executive's individual effort, performance and
his contribution toward achieving Globalstar's business plan and growth
objectives.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. It is the Compensation Committee's
belief that shareholders' interests are best served by encouraging key employees
to develop ownership interests in the Company. To that end, the Company relies
upon fair market value employee stock options granted in accordance with the
provisions of the 1994 Stock Option Plan. In addition, in determining overall
compensation, the Compensation Committee also considers fair market value stock
options granted by Loral.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") limits to $1 million the amount of compensation deductible by a public
company paid to its chief executive officer and each of its next most highly
compensated executive officers. Because none of the NEOs has compensation from
the Company or Globalstar in excess of $1 million, the Company has not yet
formulated a policy with respect to the deduction limitations of Section 162(m)
of the Code.
This report of the Compensation Committee and the Performance Graph
immediately following shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any
general statements incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any
filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, except to the extent it shall be specifically incorporated and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
MEMBERS OF THE COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
Sir Ronald Grierson
A. Robert Towbin
6
<PAGE> 9
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND
INSIDER PARTICIPATION
None of the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
are present or former officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries.
Mr. Towbin is a managing director of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin which provided
services to the Company and Globalstar during the year.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the monthly change in cumulative total return,
including reinvestment of dividends, of the Company's Common Stock with the
cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Composite Stock Index and the Nasdaq
Telecommunications Index, from February 14, 1995, the date on which the
Company's Common Stock was first listed on the Nasdaq National Market, through
March 10, 1998, assuming an investment of $100 in the Company's Common Stock and
each index.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GLOBALSTAR NASDAQ
MEASUREMENT PERIOD TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS NASDAQ COMPOSITE
(FISCAL YEAR COVERED) LIMITED INDEX INDEX
<S> <C> <C> <C>
14-FEB-95 100 100 100
30-JUN-95 74 108 118
31-DEC-95 206 126 134
30-JUN-96 246 136 152
31-DECI-96 350 131 165
30-JUN-97 340 151 185
31-DEC-97 546 186 203
10-MAR-98 799 220 226
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE> 10
The salaries of the executive officers of Globalstar and the Company are
paid by either Globalstar or Loral. Loral is solely responsible for the
compensation of Messrs. Schwartz, Clark and DeBlasio and the other officers of
the Company and Globalstar who are also officers of Loral. The following table
summarizes the compensation paid to the five most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company and Globalstar who receive compensation from Globalstar.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ----------------
-------------------------------------- SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY(A) BONUS(B) COMPENSATION(C) STOCK OPTIONS(D) Compensation(e)
- --------------------------- ---- --------- -------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas G. Dwyre 1997 $230,000 $150,000 -- 17,500 $17,012
Senior Vice President of 1996 $195,932 $125,000 -- -- $ 9,132
GTL; President of 1995 $176,220 $125,000 -- 30,000 $ 5,400
Globalstar
Anthony J. Navarra 1997 $188,640 $ 90,000 -- 12,500 $ 5,700
Vice President of GTL; 1996 $179,229 $ 90,000 -- -- $ 5,026
Executive Vice President - 1995 $168,334 $ 90,000 -- 25,000 $ 5,151
Strategic Development of
Globalstar
Joel Schindall 1997 $162,180 $ 55,000 -- 10,000 $ 5,501
Senior Vice President - 1996 $157,339 $ 45,000 -- -- $ 500
Systems Development 1995 $153,300 $ 15,000 -- 2,400 $ 5,374
of Globalstar
William F. Adler 1997 $153,000 $ 48,000 -- 6,000 $16,940
Vice President and 1996 $135,692 $ 45,000 $73,546 10,000 $ 4,084
Assistant Secretary of GTL;
Vice President and General
Counsel of Globalstar
Robert Wiedeman 1997 $132,900 $ 50,000 -- 7,500 $41,582
Vice President, Systems 1996 $117,968 $ 40,000 -- -- $ 6,623
and Regulatory Engineering 1995 $104,040 $ 35,000 -- 15,000 $ 5,466
of Globalstar
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) 1996 amounts reflect salary actually paid to Mr. Adler, who commenced
employment with Globalstar on January 15, 1996. The annual salary for Mr.
Adler, as of December 31, 1996, was $144,000.
(b) Reflects bonuses earned for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, paid in
1998, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, paid in 1997 and for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, paid in 1996.
(c) Represents a relocation payment in 1996 to Mr. Adler.
(d) Does not reflect grants during 1996 of stock options to acquire 25,000,
20,000, 8,000, 5,000 and 10,000 shares of Loral common stock granted by
Loral to Messrs. Dwyre, Navarra, Schindall, Adler and Wiedeman, respectively
(the "Loral Options"). The Loral Options are exercisable at $10.50 per
share, vest in 20% increments over five years and have a 10-year term.
(e) Reflects 1997 company matching contributions to the Savings Plan in the
amounts of $7,622 for Mr. Dwyre, $5,700 for Mr. Navarra, $5,501 for Mr.
Schindall, $5,420 for Mr. Adler and $4,582 for Mr. Wiedeman, respectively.
Also reflects a payout in 1997 of life insurance of $9,390 to Mr. Dwyre and
of invention compensation of $37,000 to Mr. Wiedeman.
8
<PAGE> 11
OPTION GRANTS TABLE
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL MARKET
SECURITIES OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE ON GRANT
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO OR BASE DATE OF DATE
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES PRICE GRANT EXPIRATION PRESENT
NAME GRANTED(A) IN FISCAL YEAR (PER SHARE) (PER SHARE) DATE Value(b)
---- ---------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas G. Dwyre.............. 17,500 6.63% $ 49.25 $ 49.25 9/29/2007 $480,008
Anthony J. Navarra............ 12,500 4.74% $ 49.25 $ 49.25 9/29/2007 $342,863
Joel Schindall................ 10,000 3.79% $ 49.25 $ 49.25 9/29/2007 $274,290
William F. Adler.............. 6,000 2.27% $ 49.25 $ 49.25 9/29/2007 $164,574
Robert Wiedeman............... 7,500 2.84% $ 49.25 $ 49.25 9/29/2007 $205,718
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) The options become exercisable over a four and one half-year period as
follows: 25% on each of the second, third, fourth and four and one
half-year anniversary from the date of grant.
(b) The Black-Scholes model of option valuation was used to determine grant date
present value. The Company does not advocate or necessarily agree that the
Black-Scholes model can properly determine the value of an option. The
present value calculation is based on a ten-year option term, a risk-free
interest rate assumption of 6%, stock price volatility of 30% over a
ten-year period and a dividend rate of $0 per share. However, there were no
adjustments made for non-transferability or risk of forfeiture. The actual
value realized, if any, will depend on the amount by which the stock price
at the time of exercise exceeds the exercise price. There is no assurance
that the amount estimated by the Black-Scholes model will be realized.
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
ACQUIRED AT YEAR-END AT YEAR-END(A)
ON REALIZED --------------------------------- --------------------
NAME EXERCISE VALUE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- --------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas G. Dwyre........ -- -- 7,500 40,000 $306,094 $918,281
Anthony J. Navarra...... -- -- 6,250 31,250 $255,078 $765,234
Joel Schindall.......... -- -- 600 11,800 $ 24,488 $ 73,462
William F. Adler........ -- -- -- 16,000 -- $173,594
Robert Wiedeman......... -- -- 3,750 18,750 $153,047 $459,141
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Market value of underlying securities at year-end, minus the exercise price.
EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Except for the Retirement Plan, including a Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan, the 401(k) Savings Plan, and the 1994 Stock Option Plan, there
are no employment contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements with respect
to any of the NEOs under which payments or benefits are triggered by, or result
from, the resignation, retirement or any other termination of such NEO's
employment, a change-in-control of the Company, or a change in such NEO's
responsibilities following a change-in-control.
PENSION PLAN
The Retirement Plan (the "Plan") provides a non-contributory benefit for
each year of non-contributory participation, and additional benefits associated
with contributory participation. The Company also has a Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan ("SERP") under which eligible employees receive benefits which
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<PAGE> 12
generally make up for certain required reductions in Plan benefits caused by the
Code limitations. For non-contributory participation, the annual retirement
benefit is $252 times credited years of service. For contributory participation,
the following table shows the amounts of annual retirement benefits that would
be payable at normal retirement (age 65 or later). Benefits are shown for
various rates of final average salary, assuming that employee contributions were
made for the periods indicated. Employees who have completed at least one year
of service and attained age 21 will receive the contributory benefit if they
contribute to the Plan at the rate of 1% of salary.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF CONTRIBUTORY SERVICE
-----------------------------------------------------
FINAL AVERAGE SALARY 20 25 30 35 40
-------------------- -- -- -- -- --
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000............................ $30,950 $38,690 $46,430 $ 54,160 $ 60,660
$125,000............................ $39,700 $49,630 $59,550 $ 69,480 $ 77,600
$150,000............................ $48,450 $60,560 $72,680 $ 84,790 $ 94,540
$175,000............................ $57,200 $71,500 $85,800 $100,100 $111,480
$200,000............................ $65,950 $82,440 $98,930 $115,410 $128,410
</TABLE>
The table above shows total estimated benefits payable under the Plan and
SERP including amounts attributable to employee contributions, determined on a
straight annuity basis. Such estimated benefits are not subject to any deduction
for Social Security or other offset amounts. The compensation covered by the
Plan and SERP is the employee's base salary, and is identical to the
compensation disclosed as "Salary" in the Summary Compensation Table. The Plan
and SERP benefits are computed on the basis of the average of an employee's
highest five consecutive annual salaries out of the last ten years contributions
are made. As of December 31, 1997, the contributory credited years of service
for each of the executives in the Summary Compensation Table are as follows:
Douglas G. Dwyre, 24 years; Anthony J. Navarra, 6 years; Joel Schindall, 3
years; William F. Adler, one year; and Robert Wiedeman, one year. In addition,
Mr. Wiedeman had 31 years of non-contributory service.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
SS/L Agreement and Subcontracts. Space Systems/Loral, Inc. ("SS/L"), which
is an affiliate of Globalstar and a wholly owned subsidiary of Loral, has
entered into a contract with Globalstar to design, manufacture, test and launch
Globalstar's satellite constellation. The price of the contract consists of
three parts, the first for non-recurring work at a price not to exceed $117.1
million, the second for recurring work at a fixed price of $15.6 million per
satellite (including certain performance incentives of up to approximately $1.9
million per satellite) and the third for launch services and insurance. In
addition, Globalstar has agreed to purchase from SS/L eight additional spare
satellites at a cost estimated at $175 million.
SS/L is designing, building and launching the 56 satellites (including
eight in-orbit spares) in Globalstar's constellation, which are designed to have
a minimum life span of 7 1/2 years. SS/L has agreed to obtain insurance on
Globalstar's behalf for the cost of replacing satellites lost in hot failures
and any relaunch costs not covered by the applicable launch contract. SS/L has
also agreed pursuant to the agreement to obtain launch vehicles and arrange for
the launch of Globalstar's satellites on Globalstar's behalf. The estimated
total cost for launch services and launch insurance for all 56 satellites
(including eight in-orbit spares) is $459 million, subject to equitable
adjustments in light of future conditions, which may, in turn, be influenced by
international political developments. Termination by Globalstar of this
agreement will result in termination fees, which may be substantial. Such
termination fees are generally limited to SS/L's cost incurred and uncancellable
obligations under subcontracts and outstanding orders for satellite materials at
the time of termination plus a reasonable fee.
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Globalstar has granted SS/L an irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive
license to use certain intellectual property expressly developed in connection
with the SS/L agreement provided that SS/L will not use, or permit others to
use, such license for the purpose of engaging in any business activity that
would be in material competition with Globalstar. Globalstar has similarly
agreed that it will not license such intellectual property if it will be used
for the purpose of designing or building satellites that would be in competition
with SS/L.
The agreement provides for liquidated damages to Globalstar in the event
SS/L fails to supply the satellites at the times specified in the contract.
Liquidated damages of approximately $45,000 are payable by SS/L for each day of
delay, subject to an overall cap of approximately $33 million. Such liquidated
damages are Globalstar's exclusive remedies in the face of any delay by SS/L in
the delivery of the satellites or for any events of default specified in the
agreement.
SS/L and its subcontractors have committed approximately $310 million of
vendor financing to Globalstar of which $220 million will be non-interest
bearing. Globalstar will repay the non-interest bearing portions as follows: $49
million following the launch and acceptance of 24 or more satellites, $61
million upon the launch and acceptance of 48 or more satellites, and the
remainder in equal installments over the five-year period following acceptance
of the preliminary and final Globalstar constellations. The remaining $90
million will bear interest, the payment of which will be deferred until December
31, 1998, or the full constellation date, whichever is earlier. Thereafter,
interest and principal will be repaid in twenty equal quarterly installments
during the next five years. In addition, under the contract for the additional
eight spare satellites, SS/L will provide an additional $43 million of vendor
financing, of which $19 million will be interest bearing. The repayment terms
are substantially the same as those for the vendor financing relating to the
first 56 satellites.
On March 23, 1994, Globalstar entered into an agreement with Hyundai
Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. ("Hyundai") pursuant to which it agreed to
cause the prime contractor of its satellite constellation to enter into certain
arrangements with Hyundai, including offering Hyundai the right to provide
assembly, integration and testing with respect to satellites in Globalstar's
constellation beyond the first 56 and in any second generation satellite system
and supporting Hyundai in its efforts as a satellite vendor, through for
instance, providing training and transferring certain know-how to Hyundai.
Qualcomm Agreement. Globalstar and Qualcomm Incorporated ("Qualcomm") have
entered into an agreement providing for the design, development, manufacture,
installation, testing and maintenance by Qualcomm of four gateways, two ground
operations control centers ("GOCC") and 300 pre-production subscriber terminals
(the "Qualcomm Segment"). A portion of the GOCC is being developed and
manufactured by Globalstar. The contract is a cost-plus-fee contract that
provides for payment to Qualcomm of a 12% fee, along with reimbursement for
costs incurred in performing such contract, such as labor, material, travel,
license fees, royalties and general administrative expenses. The contract also
includes a cost sharing arrangement for certain technologies being developed by
Qualcomm.
Except for the intellectual property contained in certain software relating
to the public switched networks and the GOCCs (excluding any software or
technical data contained in Qualcomm's CDMA technology) which will be owned by
Globalstar, Qualcomm retains all intellectual property in the Qualcomm Segment.
However, Qualcomm has granted Globalstar an exclusive license to use its CDMA
technology for mobile satellite service commercial applications.
Globalstar has granted to Qualcomm an irrevocable, non-exclusive, worldwide
perpetual license to intellectual property owned by Globalstar in the Qualcomm
Segment and developed pursuant to the Qualcomm agreement. Qualcomm may, pursuant
to such grant, use the intellectual property for applications other than the
Globalstar System provided that Qualcomm may not for a period of three years
after its withdrawal as a strategic partner or prior to the third anniversary of
the full constellation date, whichever is earlier, engage in any business
activity that would be in competition with the Globalstar System. The grant of
intellectual property to Qualcomm described above is generally royalty free.
Qualcomm has agreed to grant at least one vendor a non-exclusive worldwide
license to use Qualcomm's intellectual property to manufacture and sell gateways
to Globalstar's service providers. The foregoing license will be granted by
Qualcomm to one or more such vendors on reasonable terms and conditions, which
will in
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<PAGE> 14
any event not provide for royalty fees in excess of 7% of a gateway's sales
price (not including the approximately $400,000 per gateway in recoupment
expenses payable to Globalstar). Qualcomm has granted a license to manufacture
Globalstar phones to each of Ericsson and TELITAL and has also agreed to grant a
similar license to at least one additional qualified manufacturer to enable it
to manufacture and sell the Globalstar phones to service providers. On March 23,
1994, a letter agreement was entered into among Qualcomm, Globalstar and Hyundai
pursuant to which Hyundai may elect to become a licensee authorized to
manufacture and sell Globalstar phones to service providers. Should Hyundai so
elect, it would, for a five-year period following Globalstar's in-service date,
be the exclusive licensee authorized to manufacture and sell such units in South
and North Korea.
Globalstar will receive a payment of approximately $400,000 on each
installed gateway sold to a Globalstar service provider. Globalstar will also
receive up to $10 on each Globalstar phone, which will be payable until
Globalstar's funding of that design has been recovered.
The agreement provides for liquidated damages to Globalstar in the event
Qualcomm fails to supply the Qualcomm Segment at the times specified in the
contract. Liquidated damages of approximately $29,000 are payable by Qualcomm
for each day of delay, subject to an overall cap of approximately $11 million.
Such liquidated damages are Globalstar's exclusive remedies in the face of any
delay by Qualcomm in the delivery of the Qualcomm Segment or for any other
events of default specified in the agreement. Qualcomm's obligation to license
the intellectual property necessary to manufacture gateways and Globalstar
phones to Globalstar or a third-party manufacturer will continue even upon a
default or breach by Qualcomm under the agreement. Termination by Globalstar of
this agreement will result in termination fees, which may be substantial.
On March 4, 1998, Qualcomm entered into a financing agreement with
Globalstar to provide $100 million principal amount of vendor financing. The
principal amount will accrue interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum and will be
capitalized to principal quarterly. Globalstar will make eight principal
payments on a quarterly basis commencing on January 1, 2000 with the final
payment due October 1, 2001 accompanied by all then unpaid accrued interest.
Gateway Program. Globalstar purchased from Qualcomm 38 gateways totaling
approximately $340 million. Globalstar has entered into contracts and
discussions to resell such gateways to its partners and service providers. In
order to accelerate the deployment of gateways around the world, Globalstar has
agreed to finance approximately $80 million of the cost of up to 32 of the 38
gateways. Globalstar expects to recover this financing upon resale of such
gateways to its service providers.
Qualcomm Support Agreement. A support agreement was entered into among
Qualcomm, Loral and Globalstar pursuant to which Qualcomm agreed to (i) assist
Globalstar and SS/L with Globalstar's system design, (ii) support Globalstar and
Loral with respect to various regulatory matters and (iii) assist Globalstar and
Loral in their marketing efforts with respect to Globalstar. As compensation for
its efforts, Qualcomm would be paid an amount equal to the costs incurred in
rendering such support and assistance.
Vodafone Agreements. Mr. E. John Peett, a director of the Company, was,
until his retirement in October 1997, an executive officer of Vodafone, which is
a limited partner of Globalstar. Globalstar has entered into consulting
agreements with Vodafone for approximately $650,000 under which Vodafone will
develop Globalstar's security architecture design and billing system
requirements. A subsidiary of Vodafone has executed service provider agreements,
granting it the right to provide Globalstar System services to users in eight
countries, including Australia, Sweden, South Africa and the United Kingdom, on
an exclusive basis, as long as specified minimum levels of subscribers are met.
The Vodafone subsidiary will receive certain discounts from Globalstar's
expected pricing schedule generally over a five-year period.
Service Provider Agreements. Limited partners of Globalstar or affiliates
thereof have entered into service provider agreements with Globalstar granting
them the right to provide Globalstar System service to users in designated
countries as long as specified minimum levels of subscribers are met. These
service providers will receive certain discounts from Globalstar's expected
pricing generally over a five-year period.
OmniTRACS Services Agreement. Globalstar has granted Qualcomm the
worldwide exclusive right to utilize the Globalstar System to provide
OmniTRACS-like services, including certain data-messaging and
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<PAGE> 15
position-determination services offered by Qualcomm, primarily to fleets of
motor vehicles and rail cars and/or vessels and supervisory control and data
acquisition services. Qualcomm will utilize the Globalstar System in particular
territories to provide its OmniTRACS-like services if the Globalstar service
provider in such region or country offers pricing that is the most favorable
rate charged by it for a comparable service and that is at least as favorable as
the pricing then charged to Qualcomm for geostationary satellite capacity in the
United States. In the event Qualcomm and the service provider fail to reach an
agreement with respect to such access, Globalstar has agreed to provide Qualcomm
with access to the Globalstar System at Globalstar's most favorable rates. To
the extent consistent with Qualcomm's prior commitments, Qualcomm has also
agreed to offer each Globalstar service provider certain rights of first refusal
to participate with Qualcomm in the provision of OmniTRACS-like services using
the Globalstar system in the service provider's territory.
Guarantee Fee and Warrants. On December 15, 1995, Globalstar entered into
a credit agreement providing for a $250 million credit facility (the "Globalstar
Credit Agreement"). Following the consummation of the merger of Loral
Corporation into a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation ("Lockheed
Martin"), Lockheed Martin guaranteed $206.3 million of Globalstar's obligation
under the Globalstar Credit Agreement, and SS/L and certain other Globalstar
strategic partners guaranteed $11.7 million and $32 million, respectively, of
Globalstar's obligation. In addition, Loral agreed to indemnify Lockheed Martin
for liability in excess of $150 million under Lockheed Martin's guarantee of the
Globalstar Credit Agreement.
In connection with such guarantees and indemnity of the Globalstar Credit
Agreement, the Company issued to Loral, Lockheed Martin, SS/L and the other
strategic partners participating in such guarantee or indemnity, warrants to
purchase 4,185,318 (8,370,636 shares after giving effect to the Company's 100%
stock dividend paid on May 28, 1997) shares of GTL common stock (the "GTL
Guarantee Warrants"). In connection with the issuance of GTL Guarantee Warrants,
the Company received (i) warrants to acquire 4,185,318 ordinary partnership
interests in Globalstar plus (ii) additional warrants to purchase an additional
1,131,168 ordinary partnership interests, on terms and conditions generally
similar to those of the GTL Guarantee Warrants. In addition, Globalstar also
agreed to pay to Loral and the other guaranteeing partners a fee equal to 1.5%
per annum of the average quarterly amount outstanding under the Globalstar
Credit Agreement (the "Guarantee Fee"). Payment of the Guarantee Fee will be
deferred and subordinated, with interest at LIBOR plus 3%, until after the
termination date of the Globalstar Credit Agreement. Loral/Qualcomm Satellite
Services, L.P. ("LQSS"), Globalstar's managing general partner, may also defer
payment of such fee if it determines that such deferral is necessary to comply
with the terms of any applicable credit agreement or indenture.
The holders of the GTL Guarantee Warrants have exercised such warrants at
$13.25 per share, and the Company has registered for resale the Company's Common
Stock issued upon exercise of such warrants.
Subscription Rights. In May 1997, the Company issued 2,262,336 shares of
Common Stock at a price of $13.25 per share in connection with the exercise of
subscription rights. In addition to shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of
subscription rights issued to it, Loral purchased pursuant to a standby
agreement with the Company 32,004 shares of Common Stock underlying rights not
subscribed for by the holders of such rights.
Globalstar Managing Partner's Allocation and Distribution. Commencing on
the in-service date, Globalstar will make distributions to LQSS equal to 2.5% of
Globalstar's revenues up to $500 million plus 3.5% of revenues in excess of $500
million. Loral and Qualcomm ultimately will receive 80% and 20% of such
distribution, respectively. Should Globalstar incur a net loss in any year
following commencement of operations, the distribution for that year will be
reduced by 50% and Globalstar will be reimbursed for managing partner's
allocations, if any, made in any prior quarter of such year, sufficient to
reduce the managing partner's allocation for such year by 50%. Any managing
partner's allocation may be deferred (with interest at 4% per annum) in any
quarter in which Globalstar would report negative cash flow from operations if
the managing partner's allocation were made.
LQSS has a right to a preferred allocation of gross operating revenue until
such allocated revenue cumulatively equals LQSS's distributions payable (whether
or not deferred for a shortfall in cash flow from operations). To the extent
that distributions exceed such allocated profit, they will be charged against
LQSS's capital account and will not be allocated among the Globalstar partners
as a Globalstar expense.
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Joint Ventures. Subsidiaries of Loral have formed joint ventures with
partners which have executed service provider agreements granting the joint
ventures the exclusive rights to provide Globalstar System services to users in
Canada, Mexico and Brazil, as long as specified minimum levels of subscribers
are met. Certain Globalstar service providers, including Loral, receive
specified discounts from Globalstar's expected pricing schedule generally over a
five-year period.
Services. Mr. Robert B. Hodes, a director of GTL, is counsel to the law
firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which acts as counsel to Globalstar and the
Company. Mr. A. Robert Towbin is a managing director in the investment banking
firm of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin, which has rendered advisory and investment
banking services to Globalstar and the Company.
Peett Consulting Arrangement. Mr. E. John Peett has entered into a
consulting arrangement with the Company pursuant to which the Company will pay
to Mr. Peett a fee of $4,200 per day for consulting services rendered to
Globalstar or LQSS. The Company will also reimburse Mr. Peett for certain
expenses incurred in connection therewith. Mr. Peett also received stock options
to purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $47.25 per
share, which options will vest in three annual installments commencing January
2, 1999.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
The Company believes that during 1997 all reports for the Company's
executive officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the
Company's Common Stock that were required to be filed under Section 16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 were timely filed, except that one report was
not timely filed to report a purchase of Common Stock by Mr. Schwartz.
PROPOSAL 2. ACTING UPON A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK.
The Board of Directors has declared advisable and recommended a proposal to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock. The Board of Directors
believes that the availability of additional Common Stock will provide
flexibility and allow the Company to issue Common Stock, if, as and when the
need arises. It is therefore proposed to increase the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock from 200,000,000 to 600,000,000.
The text of the resolution adopted by the Board of Directors is set forth
below.
RESOLVED that the Board of Directors deems it in the best interests of the
Company and declares it advisable that, subject to shareholder approval at
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company on April 28, 1998, the
authorized share capital of the Company be increased from $200,000,000 to
$600,000,000 and a Memorandum of Increase of Share Capital be deposited
with the Registrar of Companies of Bermuda reflecting such increase.
As of February 27, 1998, of the 200,000,000 authorized shares of Common
Stock, 30,640,702 shares were outstanding. There were also 87,368,438 shares of
Common Stock (the "Reserved Shares") reserved for issuance, upon exercise of
outstanding warrants, upon conversion of the Company's 6 1/2% Convertible
Preferred Equivalent Obligations due 2006 (based upon a conversion price of
$30.81 per share), under the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan and upon exchange
of Globalstar partnership interests. Taking into account the Reserved Shares and
the 30,640,702 shares of outstanding Common Stock, as of February 27, 1998, the
total number of issued and reserved shares of Common Stock was 118,009,140.
The Board of Directors believes it is in the Company's best interest to
increase the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock in order
to have additional authorized but unissued shares available for issuance to meet
business needs as they arise. The Board of Directors believes the availability
of such additional shares will provide the Company with the flexibility to issue
Common Stock for a variety of proper corporate purposes as the Board of
Directors may deem advisable without further action by the Company's
shareholders, except as may be required by law, regulation or stock exchange
rule. These purposes could include, among other things, the sale of stock to
obtain additional capital funds, the purchase of property, the
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<PAGE> 17
acquisition of or merger with other companies, the use of additional shares for
various equity compensation and other employee benefit plans, the declaration of
stock dividends or distributions and other bona fide corporate purposes. Were
these situations to arise, the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock
could have a dilutive effect on earnings per share.
The additional Common Stock to be authorized would have rights identical to
the current outstanding Common Stock. Approval of the proposal by the
shareholders will not have an immediate effect on the rights of existing
shareholders. To the extent that the additional authorized shares are issued in
the future, they would decrease the existing shareholders' relative percentage
equity ownership and, depending on the price at which the shares are issued,
could be dilutive to the existing shareholders. The holders of Common Stock have
no preemptive rights, which means that the shareholders do not have a prior
right to purchase any newly-issued shares of capital stock of the Company in
order to maintain their proportionate ownership interest.
The Board of Directors does not intend to issue any Common Stock or
securities convertible into Common Stock except on terms that it deems to be in
the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Any future issuance of
Common Stock or securities convertible into Common Stock will be subject to the
rights of holders of outstanding shares of any preferred stock which the Company
may issue in the future. The Company's management is considering submitting to
the Board of Directors at its next meeting a proposal to approve a stock split
for the Company. Except as described in the preceding sentence, the Company's
management has no other arrangements, agreements, understandings or plans at the
present time for the issuance or use of additional shares of Common Stock to be
authorized by the proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of Common
Stock.
Although an increase in the authorized shares of Common Stock could, under
certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect (for example, by diluting
the stock of a person seeking to effect a change in the composition of the Board
of Directors or contemplating a tender offer or other transaction for a
combination of the Company with another company), the proposal is not in
response to any effort of which the Company is aware to accumulate the Company's
stock or obtain control of the Company, nor is it part of a plan by management
to recommend a series of similar proposals to the Board of Directors and
shareholders.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 2 WILL REQUIRE THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE IN PERSON OR BY
PROXY OF A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY VOTE
IN FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL.
PROPOSA1 3. ACTING UPON A PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE AND CREATE PREFERRED STOCK OF
THE COMPANY AND TO AMEND THE BYE-LAWS TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS TO ESTABLISH THE RIGHTS, PREFERENCES AND DESIGNATIONS OF
SUCH PREFERRED STOCK.
The Board of Directors has declared advisable and recommended a proposal to
authorize the creation of preferred stock of the Company. The Board of Directors
believes that the availability of preferred stock of the Company will provide
financing flexibility for the Company. It is therefore proposed to authorize the
creation of 10,000,000 preference shares, par value $.01 per share (the
"Preferred Stock"), of the Company, the preferences, rights and designations of
which will be determined by the Board of Directors.
The text of the resolution of the Board of Directors is set forth below.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors deems it in the best interests of the
Company and declares it advisable that, subject to shareholder approval at
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company on April 28, 1998, the
authorized capital of the Company be increased to provide for 10,000,000
preference shares, par value $.01 per share, which shares shall have such
rights, preferences and designations as may be determined by the Board of
Directors from time to time and a Memorandum of Increase of Share Capital
be deposited with the Registrar of Companies of Bermuda reflecting an
increase of $100,000 of authorized capital of the Company.
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<PAGE> 18
The Company's current bye-laws make no provision for any class of stock
other than Common Stock. The class of Preferred Stock provided for under the
proposed amendment to the bye-laws may be issued, without further shareholder
approval, by the Board, which would have the authority to establish series of
unissued shares of any or all preferred or special classes by fixing and
determining the relative rights and preferences of the shares of Preferred Stock
authorized for issuance by it.
Accordingly, it is hereby proposed that Bye-law 4 be amended to permit the
Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock from time to
time, in one more series or classes, with such designations, preferences and
rights as may be designated by the Board of Directors from time to time prior to
the issuance of such class or series. The designations, preferences and rights
that may be designated by the Board, include without limitation the following:
(i) the class or series of Preferred Stock, (ii) the dividend rate of such class
or series and the conditions and dates on which the dividend is payable, (iii)
the redemption provisions and terms of such redemption, (iv) the terms and
amount of any sinking funds established therefor, (v) the terms and conditions
on which any series or class of Preferred Stock may be converted into Common
Stock or other securities of the Company, (vi) the voting rights, if any, of the
Preferred Stock, (vii) the restrictions on the issue or reissue of any
additional Preferred Stock and (viii) the rights of the holders of such series
or class upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
The Board believes that Preferred Stock is often a useful financing tool
and that it is advisable that the Board be given flexibility in setting the
terms of the Preferred Stock. If opportunities arise that would make desirable
the issuance of the Company's Preferred Stock through either public offerings or
private placements, the proposed amendment would avoid the possible delay and
expense of a shareholders' meeting. The Company's shareholders will have no
preemptive rights with respect to the issuance of any such shares.
Issuance of the Preferred Stock could result in one or more classes of
securities outstanding that will have certain preferences with respect to
dividends and in liquidation over the Common Stock, and could result in the
dilution of voting rights, net income per share and net book value of the Common
Stock.
The specific terms of any series of Preferred Stock will depend primarily
on market conditions and other factors existing at the time of issuance. The
Board has no present plans, understandings or agreements for issuing any
Preferred Stock and the Board does not intend to issue any such shares except on
terms that it deems to be in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders.
In the event of a hostile attempt to take over the Company which the Board
determines is not in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, it
may be possible for the Board to issue Preferred Stock with rights and
preferences which could impede the completion of a takeover. Such possibilities
may make the Company less attractive as a takeover candidate and may deter
takeover attempts not approved by the Board.
The foregoing summary of the amendment to the bye-laws is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the complete text of proposed Bye-law 4, which is set
forth as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement. The proposed amendment would replace
existing Bye-law 4 in its entirety.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 3 WILL REQUIRE THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE IN PERSON OR BY
PROXY OF A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY VOTE
IN FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL 4. ACTING UPON A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S BYE-LAWS TO (I)
AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY TO APPROVE STOCK
DISTRIBUTIONS, (II) FIX THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIRECTORS AT FIFTEEN
(15) AND PROVIDE THAT DIRECTORS MAY FILL ANY VACANCY ON THE BOARD
AND (III) PROVIDE THAT DIRECTORS' FEES SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE
BOARD.
The Board of Directors has declared advisable and recommended a proposal to
amend the bye-laws of the Company to effect various changes, in each case to
afford greater flexibility and discretion to the Board. A more detailed
description of each of the proposed amendments is set forth below.
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<PAGE> 19
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE THAT STOCK DISTRIBUTIONS MAY BE APPROVED BY THE
BOARD
The current bye-laws provide that capitalization of profits, that is stock
distributions, may be effected only with the prior approval of shareholders of
the Company. By giving the Board the authority to approve stock distributions,
for instance, in connection with a stock split by the Company, the proposed
amendment would avoid the possible delay and expense of a shareholders' meeting
that would be required under the existing bye-laws before such stock
distribution could be effected. Accordingly, it is hereby proposed that Bye-law
110 be amended to permit the Board of Directors to authorize such stock
distributions. The complete text of proposed Bye-law 110 is set forth as Exhibit
B to this Proxy Statement. Bolded language contained therein indicates proposed
changes from the existing bye-law provision.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO FIX THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIRECTORS AT FIFTEEN (15) AND
TO PROVIDE THAT DIRECTORS MAY FILL ANY VACANCY ON THE BOARD
To avoid having to submit annually to shareholders a proposal to fix the
minimum and maximum number of directors of the Board and to deem all vacancies
on the Board casual vacancies which may be filled by the directors, it is
proposed that the bye-laws be amended to fix the maximum number of directors at
fifteen (15) and to expressly provide that all vacancies on the Board may
thereafter be filled by the directors. The election of directors would continue
to be submitted to shareholders at the annual meeting but the proposed amendment
would permit the directors to fill any vacancy that may arise on the Board and
to elect additional persons as directors (up to a maximum Board size of fifteen)
during any interim period between shareholder meetings. Accordingly, it is
hereby proposed that Bye-laws 74 and 75 be amended to fix the maximum number of
directors at fifteen and to provide that vacancies on the Board may be filled by
the directors. The complete text of proposed Bye-laws 74 and 75 is set forth as
Exhibit C to this Proxy Statement. Bolded language contained therein indicates
proposed changes from the existing bye-law provision.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE THAT DIRECTORS' FEES SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE
BOARD
It is proposed that the bye-laws of the Company be amended to provide that
fees paid to directors of the Company shall be determined from time to time by
the Board of Directors, and not by shareholders. This proposed amendment would
merely implement an arrangement common for U.S. companies. Accordingly, it is
proposed that the first sentence of Bye-law 78 be amended to read as follows:
"The amount, if any, of Directors' fees shall from time to time be determined by
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD (OR ANY COMMITTEE THEREOF SO AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD)."
The bolded language contained in the preceding sentence indicates proposed
changes from the existing bye-law provision.
The Board of Directors believes that granting to the Board the flexibility
reflected in the above-mentioned amendments is in the best interest of the
Company and its shareholders.
The foregoing summary of the amendments to the bye-laws is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the complete texts of proposed Bye-laws 110, 74 and 75,
which are set forth as Exhibits B and C to this Proxy Statement.
APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 4 WILL REQUIRE THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE IN PERSON OR BY
PROXY OF A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY VOTE
IN FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL 5. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY.
The Board of Directors has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP, certified
public accountants, as the independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1998. Deloitte & Touche LLP has advised the Company
that it has no direct or indirect financial interest in the Company or any of
its subsidiaries, and that it has had, during the last three years, no
connection with the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than as independent
auditors and related activities.
17
<PAGE> 20
The financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31,
1997, and report of the auditors thereon will be presented at the Annual
Meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP will have a representative present at the meeting
who will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires and to
respond to appropriate questions.
During 1997, Deloitte & Touche LLP provided services consisting of the
audit of the annual financial statements of the Company, consultations with
respect to the Company's quarterly financial statements, reports and
registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
other pertinent matters.
IF THE SHAREHOLDERS, BY THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY
OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AND VOTING AT
THE MEETING DO NOT RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP, THE
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS WILL BE RECONSIDERED BY THE BOARD.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY VOTE IN
FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL.
SHAREHOLDERS' PROPOSALS
Proposals of the Company's shareholders intended to be presented at the
1999 Annual Meeting of the Company must be received by the Company at 600 Third
Avenue, New York, New York 10016, Attention: Secretary, no later than December
1, 1998. There are additional requirements regarding proposals of shareholders,
and a shareholder contemplating submission of a proposal is referred to Rule
14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
OTHER ACTION AT MEETING AND VOTING OF PROXIES
Management does not know of any matters to come before the Annual Meeting
other than those set forth herein. However, the enclosed proxy confers
discretionary authority upon the proxy holders named therein to vote and act in
accordance with their best judgement with regard to any other matters which
should come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Upon receipt of such
proxy (in the form enclosed and properly signed) in time for voting, the shares
represented thereby will be voted as indicated thereon or, if no direction is
indicated, will be voted FOR the election of Directors and FOR any other
Proposal.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Eric J. Zahler
Eric J. Zahler
Secretary
March 31, 1998
18
<PAGE> 21
EXHIBIT A
BYE-LAW 4
(AS PROPOSED TO BE AMENDED)
4. The Board shall be authorized to issue preference shares and such shares
may be issued from time to time, in one or more series with such designations,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as may be designated by the
Board prior to the issuance of such series, and the Board is hereby expressly
authorized to fix by resolution or resolutions prior to such issuance such
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special
rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following:
(i) the designation of such series or class;
(ii) the dividend rate of such series or class, the conditions and
dates upon which such dividends will be payable, the relation which such
dividends will bear to the dividends payable on any other class or classes
of shares or any other series of any class of shares of the Company, and
whether such dividends will be cumulative or non-voting;
(iii) the redemption provisions and times, prices and other terms and
conditions of such redemption, if any, for such series or class, which may
include provisions that they are to be redeemed on the happening of a
specified event or on a given date, that they are liable to be redeemed at
the option of the Company or that if authorized by the Memorandum of
Association of the Company, that they are liable to be redeemed at the
option of the holder;
(iv) the terms and amount of any sinking fund provided for the
purchase or redemption of the shares of such series or class;
(v) the terms and conditions, if any, on which shares of such series
or class shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of the
Company or any other securities, including the price or prices, or the
rates of exchange thereof;
(vi) the voting rights, if any;
(vii) the restrictions, if any, on the issue or reissue of any
additional preference shares; and
(viii) the rights of the holders of such series or class upon the
liquidation, dissolution, or distribution of assets of the Company.
The designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or
other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of
each additional series, if any, may differ from those of any or all other series
already outstanding.
<PAGE> 22
EXHIBIT B
BYE-LAW 110
(AS PROPOSED TO BE AMENDED)
110. THE BOARD MAY, AT ANY TIME AND FROM TIME TO TIME PASS A RESOLUTION to
the effect that it is desirable to capitalize all or any part of any amount for
the time being standing to the credit of any reserve or fund which is available
for distribution or to the credit of any share premium account or any capital
redemption reserve fund. Accordingly such amount may by resolution of the Board
be set free for distribution amongst the Shareholders or any class of
Shareholders who would be entitled thereto if distributed by way of dividend and
in the same proportions, on the footing that the same be not paid in cash but be
applied either in or towards paying up amounts for the time being unpaid on any
shares in the Company held by such Shareholders respectively or in payment up in
full of unissued shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company, to be
allotted and distributed credited as fully paid among such Shareholders, or
partly in one way and partly in the other, provided that for purpose of this
Bye-law, a share premium account and a capital redemption reserve fund may be
applied only in paying up of unissued shares to be issued to such Shareholders
credited as fully paid and provided further that any sum standing to the credit
of a share premium account may only be applied in crediting as fully paid shares
of the same class as that from which the relevant share premium was derived.
<PAGE> 23
EXHIBIT C
BYE-LAW 74
(AS PROPOSED TO BE AMENDED)
74. The number of Directors shall be such number not less than five NOR
MORE THAN FIFTEEN as the Company by Resolution may from time to time determine
and, subject to the Companies Act and these Bye-Laws, shall serve until
re-elected or their successors are appointed at the next Annual General Meeting.
The Board shall nominate for election to the Board at each Annual General
Meeting two Independent Directors.
BYE-LAW 75
(AS PROPOSED TO BE AMENDED)
75. WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE POWER OF THE COMPANY BY RESOLUTION IN
PURSUANCE OF ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THESE BYE-LAWS TO APPOINT ANY PERSON TO BE
A DIRECTOR, ANY VACANCY ON THE BOARD MAY BE FILLED BY THE DIRECTORS, SO LONG AS
A QUORUM OF DIRECTORS REMAINS IN OFFICE.
<PAGE> 24
GLOBALSTAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
PROXY -- ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, APRIL 28, 1998
BERNARD L. SCHWARTZ, GREGORY J. CLARK and ROBERT B. HODES, and each of them, are
hereby appointed the proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution
on behalf of the undersigned to vote, as designated below, all the shares of the
undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of GLOBALSTAR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED, to be held in the Grand Salon, The Essex House, 160
Central Park South, New York, New York, at 9:30 A.M., on Tuesday, April 28, 1998
and at all adjournments thereof. The Board of Directors Recommends a vote FOR
the Following Proposals:
1. ELECTION OF EIGHT DIRECTORS
[ ] FOR all nominees listed below [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all
nominees listed below [ ] Exceptions
Nominees: B. Schwartz, G. Clark, M. DeBlasio, R. Grierson, R. Hodes, E.
Peett, M. Targoff, A. Towbin
Instruction: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark
the "Exceptions" box and write that nominee's name in the space provided
below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Acting upon a proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of
Common Stock
of the Company from 200,000,000 to 600,000,000. FOR [ ] AGAINST [
] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. Acting upon a proposal to authorize and create 10,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock of the Company and to amend the bye-laws to authorize the
Board of Directors to establish the rights, preferences and designations of
such Preferred Stock. FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
4. Acting upon a proposal to amend the Company's Bye-laws (i) to authorize the
Board to approve stock distributions (ii) to fix the maximum number of
directors at fifteen (15) and provide that directors may fill any vacancy
on the Board and (iii) to provide that directors' fees shall be determined
by the Board. FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
5. Acting upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP
as
independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 1998. FOR [
] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
6. In their discretion, upon such other matters as may properly come before
the meeting. FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
(Continued on reverse side)
<PAGE> 25
(Continued from other side)
This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is
indicated, this Proxy will be voted FOR the election of all nominees
listed hereon and FOR Proposals 2 through 5.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt
of the Notice of Annual Meeting and
accompanying Proxy Statement.
Dated: , 1998
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
(Signature of Shareholder)
(Please sign exactly as name or names appear
hereon. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give your full title as such; if by a
corporation, by an authorized officer; if by
a partnership, in partnership name by an
authorized person. For joint owners, all
co-owners must sign.)
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS
PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
P
